Create a Plan That Fits Your Lifestyle
Students are constantly juggling multiple commitments, from classes and assignments to extracurricular activities and social engagements. It can be difficult to keep track of everything and stay on top of your work. That's where a planner comes in. A planner can be a lifesaver for students, helping them to organise their time, track deadlines, and manage their stress levels.
There are several main types of planners that are popular among students to help with time management:
Hour-by-hour planners
Bullet journal planners
Academic planners
Digital planners
How to use an hour-by-hour planner
To use an hour-by-hour planner, start by writing down all of your commitments for the week. This includes classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, social engagements, and any other appointments. Once you have written down all of your commitments, block out time for each of them in your planner. Be sure to leave some buffer time in between each commitment in case you need extra time to complete a task or get to your next class.
How to use a bullet journal planner
To use a bullet journal planner, you will need to create your own system for organising your tasks and notes. There are many different ways to do this, so you can find a system that works best for you. Some popular bullet journal layouts include:
Daily log: This is a place to write down your daily tasks and appointments.
Weekly overview: This is a place to track your progress on your weekly goals.
Monthly tracker: This is a place to track your habits or goals over the course of a month.
Your bullet journal can also be a powerful tool for nurturing your creativity. Dedicate a section of your journal to capturing your creative sparks, brainstorming ideas, and tracking your creative progress. This space can serve as a visual representation of your artistic journey and a source of inspiration when you need it most.
Here are some ideas for incorporating a creative space into your bullet journal:
Sketchbook pages: Use dedicated pages to sketch, doodle, or paint. Experiment with different techniques and styles, and capture your visual ideas without inhibition.
Idea tracker: Create a list or table to capture random thoughts, fleeting inspirations, and potential project ideas. Keep this section easily accessible for quick note-taking when creativity strikes.
Project tracker: Dedicate pages to track the progress of your creative projects. Break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps, and use checkboxes or progress bars to visually represent your achievements.
Inspiration board: Gather images, quotes, or other sources of inspiration that spark your creativity. Use a collage-style layout to arrange these elements in a visually appealing way.
How to use an academic planner
Academic planners are specifically designed for students to help them keep track of their classes, assignments, and exams. They typically include a monthly calendar, weekly spreads, and space for notes.
How to use a digital planner
Digital planners are a great option for students who are on the go. They can be used on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Digital planners typically have the same features as traditional planners, but they also offer some additional features, such as the ability to set reminders and sync with your calendar.
How to use a planner with Google Calendar
If you use Google Calendar, you can use it to sync with your planner. This will allow you to see all of your commitments in one place. To sync your planner with Google Calendar, follow these steps:
Open Google Calendar.
Click the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Select "Settings."
Click the "Import & export" tab.
Click "Import from iCal."
Paste the URL of your planner's iCal feed into the box.
Click "Import."
Tips for using a planner
Here are a few tips for using a planner to help you master time management:
Set realistic goals. Don't try to cram too much into your planner. Be realistic about how much time you have and what you can accomplish.
Schedule breaks. It's important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout. Schedule some time in your planner for breaks to relax and recharge.
Review your planner regularly. Take some time each week to review your planner and make sure you are on track.
Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan. Be prepared to make changes to your schedule as needed.
Find a planner that you like. There are many different planners on the market, so take some time to find one that you like the look and feel of.
Keep your planner with you at all times. This will make it easy for you to check your schedule and make changes as needed.
Use your planner to track your progress. This will help you to stay motivated and on track.
There are many different types of planners on the market, so you can find one that fits your learning style and preferences. Hour-by-hour planners are ideal for students who need to schedule their time in detail, while bullet journal planners offer more flexibility for students who want to track their progress on long-term goals. Academic planners are specifically designed for students to help them keep track of their classes, assignments, and exams, while digital planners are a great option for students who are on the go.
No matter what type of planner you choose, the most important thing is to use it regularly. Take some time each week to review your planner and make sure you are on track. Be flexible and adjust your schedule as needed. With a little planning and effort, you can use a planner to achieve your goals and succeed in school.
